Faced DE last night with two hydras. One shot down fairly early due to curse (random selection on my BSB) getting through and having bolt throwers in range. I honestly don't think most people realise how effective it can be.

_________________"The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it." — Terry Pratchett

No hotek in this game, fortunately. It wasn't an open list, but he put his sorceress and BSB in the black guard, so I knew there was no ring there. No other command, and his dreadlord was on a manticore that he kept well away from the centre for three turns. But yes, I would tend to agree with you, although as I wanted high for my BSB, I could've taken shield instead.

_________________"The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it." — Terry Pratchett